Klickitat County

Board of Commissioners

Minutes – Meeting of Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Agenda Item - Comment/Disposition

Call to Order/Roll Call

Morning Workshop Session – Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Chairman Ray Thayer called the meeting to order at 10:00 AM. Commissioners present: David M. Sauter, Rex F. Johnston and Ray Thayer.

Workshop Session Agenda

10:00 AM – Public Works Department Update

Attendance: Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter and Economic Development/Natural Resources Director Dave McClure.

Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey and Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter provided a department update which included a review of Consent Agenda items, a 2012 Construction Program update and road maintenance project update. A status report of facilities projects and upcoming events followed.

Director Kelsey provided a brief follow up to a previously reported issue at the Dallesport Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Director Kelsey noted that Public Works has submitted comments on the proposed supplemental agreement for the Northwestern Lake Bridge repairs and are waiting a response.

Director Kelsey reported that Public Works is looking into acquiring a generator through Federal surplus and is working through the details of the process.

In response to a question from Commissioner Johnston as to when the Dispatch Center would be finished, Director Kelsey noted that the Dispatch Center building and equipment should be ready by November 1^st.

The Board had a brief discussion concerning recent complaints about trash and vehicles blocking the Lyle boat launch ramp. The Board requested that Public Works check to see if the public access signs need to be replaced. Commissioner Sauter volunteered to discuss the matter with the local Intertribal police officer.

The Board had a brief discussion concerning a scheduled tour of the old Klickitat mill site for a group interested in developing the property. Commissioner Sauter advised that U.S. Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Butler will be present during the old mill tour as well as several other stops.

Economic Development/Natural Resources Director Dave McClure suggested that this might be a time to start organizing and working on building a relationship with the Congresswoman and her staff.

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: Radio project update

10:45 AM – Radio Project Update

Attendance: Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman, Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter, Chief Communication Deputy Robert Allen and Economic Development/Natural Resources Director Dave McClure

Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman stated that ADCOMM is still working on the equipment list for the project. Director Chipman reported that Radio Project Consultant Jim Keightley has reviewed the equipment list with ADCOMM and has recommended using smaller microwaves which is a cost savings for the purchase of the equipment and for set up costs.

Director Chipman provided a status update on the various tower sites and advised that Radio Project Lead Steve Brown will be needing Board direction concerning whether the County will lease or purchase property for the Klickitat site.

Economic Development/Natural Resources Director Dave McClure: Department Update

11:00 AM – Economic Development/Natural Resources Department Update

Attendance: Economic Development/Natural Resources Director Dave McClure, Natural Resource Program Coordinator John Foltz, Business Retention Specialist Denny Newell, Public Works Director Gordon Kelsey, Assistant County Engineer Jeff Hunter, and approximately six (6) individuals presenting timber and cattle interests.

Business Retention Specialist Denny Newell reported that representatives from the Washington Department of Commerce (DOC) having assignments related to the aerospace industry development will be visiting Klickitat County on Thursday, April 19 to meet with business interests. In addition to gaining information, the DOC will be sharing information regarding available worker training and export assistance programs. Commissioner Johnston indicated his plans to attend the meeting.

Mr. Newell reported that Innovative Composite Engineering (I.C.E.) of White Salmon attended the World Composite Conference in Paris, France with expenses paid, in part, through Washington State’s export initiative.

The Board had a discussion regarding an Economic Development Community Events budget item, with Director McClure requesting direction on how to handle requests. Chairman Thayer directed staff to return at a future date with a recap of past participation.

Mr. Newell reported that Klickitat County qualifies for U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration funding to address future economic development in light of and in response to declared disasters in 2010-2011 and noted that the Public Works Department has been alerted to this potential for infrastructure construction/improvement

Mr. Newell provided a brief update of ongoing discussion that the Economic Development Department is having with Washington Department of Commerce in an effort to broaden parameters of the current Community Development Block Grant, Micro Loan program.

Director McClure provided introductory comments regarding the January ice storm, noting that the timber industry and cattle ranchers in the White Salmon Basin and Glenwood Valley areas are still suffering from the effects which will have long range financial impacts.

Jack Field, Vice President of the Washington Cattlemen’s Association spoke on behalf of the timber and cattle interests and outlined efforts to help expedite salvaged damaged timber and repair miles of fencing. Mr. Field noted that he is working with various state and federal agencies and looking for state and federal dollars to help with the clean up.

Mr. Field noted that there will be a town hall meeting at the Glenwood Grange with representatives of DNR (Department of Natural Resources). Mr. Field indicated that the biggest need is to get permits in place and to begin timber salvage operations. A discussion about how to expedite the permitting process followed.

Timber representatives Kenny Bales from SDS Company and Jim Schleusner from Hancock Forest Management described the extensive damage to millions of board feet of trees on the ground and warned of the fire dangers and insect infestations that will result by mid summer or sooner.

Rancher Neil Kayser provided an overview of the miles of damaged fencing and the impact lost grazing will have on the cattle industry.

Mr. Jim Sizemore stated that expediting the permit process is the right thing to do, noting that all permits can be challenged by outside organizations. He suggested talking to interest groups prior to the town hall meeting.

Director McClure noted that it would be beneficial to have Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife involved in the process.

Commissioner Sauter stated that he would like to have an assessment of damages and an idea of the cost to fix the fences. Commissioner Sauter asked what the Board could do to help.

Mr. Field suggested a letter from the Board to the Governor and the Commissioner of Public Lands requesting their assistance to expedite the process. The Board agreed.

Director McClure will prepare a draft letter for the Board’s consideration. The Board noted that they will be discussing the matter with various state agencies to help to expedite the permitting process.

Lunch Recess

The Board recessed for lunch at 12:00 Noon.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting for Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:00 PM. Commissioners present: Rex F. Johnston, David Sauter and Ray Thayer.

Agenda

Business Agenda

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): the Business Agenda as presented.

Approval of Commissioner Meeting Minutes

Approval of Meeting Minutes

There are no minutes requiring approval at this time.

Citizen Comment

Health/Solid Waste Director Kevin Barry discussed a county funding issue that will be affected by recent changes at the state budget level.

Public Meetings/Public Hearings/Bid Openings

Public Meeting: Consider acceptance of Binding Site Plan BSP2011-01 which is an alteration of BSP93-02; Applicant: Klickitat County Port District No. 1, Bingen Point

Granted (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Final approval of Binding Site Plan No. BSP2011-01 which alters BSP2005-01 and BSP93-02; Applicant: Klickitat County Port District No. 1.

Associate Planner Crista Schroder provided a brief overview of the proposal which is to change minor lot lines (combining lots to make larger lots) and locate road easements over actual improved roads.

Ms. Schroder stated that an administrative review of the binding site plan has been completed and all comments and conditions have been addressed. Signatures have been acquired from the Treasurer, Health Department, Public Works and the Planning Departments attesting to this.

Public Hearing: Consider a petition to establish a stock restricted area in portions of Section 31 and 32, Township 4 North, Range 12 east. W.M. and Sections 4 and 5, Township 3 North, Range 12 east, W. M. (Lyle-Snowden Vicinity).

Approved (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): Public Hearing Continued/closed to further public testimony to Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at 3:00 PM under Unfinished Business for Board deliberations to consider a petition to establish a stock restricted area in portions of Section 31 and 32, Township 4 North, Range 12 east. W.M. and Sections 4 and 5, Township 3 North, Range 12 east, W.M. (Lyle-Snowden Vicinity).

Chairman Thayer declared the public hearing open advising the purpose of the hearing is to consider a petition from residents/landowners within the Lyle-Snowden vicinity for a stock restricted area and opened the hearing to public comment.

Lyle area resident Barbara Graves who lives at 40 Steve Graves Road spoke in support of the stock restricted area. Ms. Graves reported that there have been ongoing problems with range cows breaking into her property and damaging crops in the field, hay in her barn and fences.

Carol Yarbrough who lives at 38 Cimmiyotti Road, Lyle stated that she understands ranching and the need for open range. Ms Yarbrough noted that they are asking for the stock restriction which will only affect their private lands which are contiguous with an existing stock restricted area and that the only grazing available to the cows is the land along the county roads which creates public safety issues. Ms. Yarbrough indicated that the cows break into the private properties because they are hungry and thirsty.

John Yarbrough also from Lyle spoke in support of the stock restricted area, noting that he is a Fire Commissioner and an EMT first responder for Fire District #13 and described how the cows have hindered emergency responders and created dangerous situations.

Bill Schmitt who lives at 20 Cimmiyotti Road, Lyle stated that he and his neighbors have fought this issue since 1997 and they have tried everything to encourage the one bad neighbor to take care of his cows. Mr. Schmitt indicated that nothing has helped to resolve the situation.

Mr. Schmitt noted that he and his neighbors are trying to get some relief from the damages caused by the cows. They have suffered financially due to damaged crops and the continual repair of their fences.

*

Commissioner Johnston read an e-mail into the record from Lyle area resident Joan Frey which opposed the stock restricted area.

Lyle resident Brenda Sorensen spoke in opposition to the restricted area.

Lori Hoctor of 36 Hoctor Road, Goldendale stated that she and her husband run cattle and without open range laws their operation would be greatly impacted due to liability issues.

Mr. Yarbrough stated that they are asking to add 600 acres to an existing stock restricted area.

Chairman Thayer asked if there was anyone else present who wished to comment, hearing no response he closed the hearing to further public comment and called for Board discussion.

Commissioner Sauter stated that open range has a place in our county and offers legal protection to the farmers and ranchers but in some cases it may be necessary to close an area for the greater good.

Following discussion, the Board indicated that they would like time to consider the matter further.

Elected Official Report/Update

County Auditor Brenda Sorensen and Chief Deputy Auditor Pam Pimley presented a brief overview of grant funding opportunities through the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Chief Deputy Auditor Pimley reported that the Human Services Council is applying for Veterans Transportation and Community Living Initiative Research and Technology Grants, which if awarded would benefit Klickitat County veterans through the Veterans Relief Fund and requested a letter of support from the Board.

The Board agreed to provide a letter in support of the grant applications.

Prosecuting Attorney’s Update

Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor noted she had no items of a general nature for discussion in open session.

Executive Session: Pending litigation

The Board convened into Executive Session at 2:27 PM with Prosecuting Attorney Lori Hoctor and Natural Resources Director Dave McClure in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(i) to discuss pending litigation. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for five (5) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 2:32 PM.

New Business

Building Official Skip Grimes: Dissolution of the current Building Department Board of Appeals; formation of a new board to be titled “Building Department and Nuisance Board of Appeals” and appointment of members.

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): Letters and Resolution No. 06712 in the matter of dissolving the current Building Department Board of Appeals and establishing and appointing members to the new Building Department and Nuisance Board of Appeals as follows: J.P. Enderby, Bonnie Beeks, Donald G. Struck, Skip Grimes (Ex-Officio Member, Building Department Appeals) and Joyce DeVries (Ex-Officio Member, Nuisance Appeals); And Letters and Certificates of Appreciation to Rusty McEwen, Ken Symonds, Mike Wellman, and Becky Bare for their serve as members of the Building Department Board of Appeals.

Unfinished Business

Consider whether to authorize an amnesty program which would consist of a one-time waiver of certain penalties and interest under certain and specified circumstances for failure to deliver a listing of taxable personal property.

Motion (M/Sauter, S/Johnston. Passed unanimously): to not authorize an amnesty program as authorized by recently enacted legislation (SHB2149) offering a one-time waiver of certain penalties and interest under certain and specified circumstances for failure to deliver a listing of taxable personal property to the County Assessor.

Prior to the motion the Board continued a brief discussion regarding the amnesty program authorized by SHB2149. The general consensus of the Board was not supportive of the amnesty program due the unfairness to other tax payers.

Consent Agenda

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Sauter. Passed unanimously): the Consent Agenda.

*

1) Resolution No. 06812 in the matter of awarding 2012 Historical Preservation Grant Program Funds as follows: Alder Creek Pioneer Association, Klickitat County Historical Society/The Presby Museum - $1,000, Twin Bridges Historical Museum - $1,000, West Klickitat County Historical Society - $1,000 and Klickitat Historical Preservation - $1,000.

*

2) Letter and Resolution No. 06912 appointing Steve Matsen of Bickleton, Washington to the Klickitat County Open Space Advisory Committee as a voting member, to fill an unexpired one (1) year term, expiring February 15, 2013; And Letter of appreciation accepting Jim Sizemore’s resignation from the Klickitat County Open Space Advisory Committee for his past service.

*

3) Resolution No. 07012 in the matter of awarding bid to The Goldendale Sentinel and The Enterprise for advertising of legal notices, delinquent tax lists as well as notices to be published by newspapers of “general circulation” in Klickitat County at a per column inch price of $6.75 for the first and all subsequent insertions for the contract period commencing on July 1, 2012 and terminating on June 30, 2013. For the purposes of this contract period The Enterprise will be the County’s “newspaper of record”. All publication of legal notices, delinquent tax lists and other notices to be published by the newspaper of “general circulation” in Klickitat County as per the Revised Code of Washington will constitute legal notice with publication to occur in The Goldendale Sentinel and The Enterprise.

*

4) Personnel Authorization for a Temporary Hire to fill an Administrative Assistant I position within the Assessor’s Office at Grade 34, Step 1 ($12.53 per hour). The appraisers have a significantly increased workload and need clerical assistance to fulfill their legislative duties.

*

5) Request from the Assessor’s Office for Authorization to purchase (1) Office ProPlus 2010 SNGL software license, (1) Dell Optiplex 990MT PC, (1) (Extra monitor) P190S 19” LCD Monitor and (1) T7316E phone through the Technical Services Department for a total cost of $2,244.42 which includes sales tax.

*

6) Administrative Offer Summaries for the Lakeside Road Project, CRP281, to begin the right-of-way acquisition negotiations with various landowners.

*

7) Concurrence to Award Bid and Small Works Contract (C07512) between N.W. Remodel and Design of Vancouver, Washington and Klickitat County (Public Works Department) for the Replace Waterline Project, Annex 3, N11021 for the total bid amount of $7,549.73.

Commissioner Sauter left the meeting at 3:05 PM to attend another meeting on behalf of the County.

Department Update

Executive Session: To discussion the performance of a public employee.

The Board convened into Executive Session at 3:05 PM with Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman and Personnel Manager Randi Post in accordance with RCW 42.30.110(l)(g) to discuss the performance of a public employee. It was noted that the Executive Session would last for ten (10) minutes.

The Board reconvened back to Regular Session at 3:15 PM.

Payment Approvals

Voucher Certification and Approval

*

Approved Warrants (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously):

Accounts Payable: (#220783 - 220859) for a total of $96,448.22 for the date ending April 9, 2012.

There were no Payroll warrants requiring approval.

Adjournment (3:23 PM)

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned until 1:15 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2012.

Call to Order/Roll Call

Regular Meeting Extension: Workshop Session for Thursday, April 12, 2012

Chairman Ray Thayer reconvened the meeting at 1:15 PM. Commissioners present: Rex Johnston and Ray Thayer. Commissioner David Sauter was absent.

Workshop Session Agenda

1:15/1:45 – Building and Code Compliance director Skip Grimes and Code Compliance Officer Joyce DeVries: Nuisance Abatement.

Building and Code Compliance Director Skip Grimes presented a nuisance abatement case alleging accumulated junk, several junk vehicles and a permanently occupied recreational vehicle on the property located at 4 Box Canyon road, Goldendale, Parcel No. 05-17-1752-0004/00; Herbert A. DeJohn, owner.

At the time of the site visit, it appeared that the property is in violation of the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance. The property does appear to be in need of cleanup. The Code Compliance Officer recommended that abatement of this property be done.

Following discussion, the Board directed staff to prepare the necessary resolution to authorize the commencement of nuisance abatement proceedings.

1:45/2:45 – Recess for a Board of Health Meeting – Meeting canceled due to no quorum.

2:05/3:25 - Administrative Services Director Glen Chipman: 2013 Budget.

The Board discussed 2013 budget matters.

Adjournment

Approved (M/Johnston, S/Thayer. Passed unanimously): There being no further business before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 PM.

*

Reference Document on File

Please Note: The Board of Commissioners’ minutes are action minutes. An audio record is on file as part of the official record and available on Tape #2012-04, Tape Count 444 through 2101.